James Taylor keen to prove he belongs in England's Test team

James Taylor is determined to prove he belongs in England's Test team as he relishes his belated second shot at the big time in international cricket.

It is more than three years since the last of the diminutive middle-order batsman's two Test caps.

He must still oust an incumbent to force his way back in again on the three-match tour against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, but there is something about Taylor's busy adaptability that suggests he must come into the reckoning in these extreme climes.

Limited-overs runs, including in similarly stamina-sapping and spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka 11 months ago, have convinced England's selectors he could just fit the bill in the desert.

It is not easy to see what Taylor did dramatically wrong last time, against the world's best pace attack.

But after three innings at home to South Africa brought him only 48 runs, trusted wise heads began to shake - amid mutterings about technique - and he was cast aside.

Taylor did the only thing he could, taking management at their word and setting about scoring enough runs for Nottinghamshire and then in one-day internationals, to make them think again - and at 25, with much of the old regime gone, he is back in a 16-man squad.

"I've scored the volume of runs I was asked to, to get back in the side," he said.

"I'm just delighted to be back in. It's been a frustrating few years...but it's something that's pushed me on.

"Getting those knock-backs - when I thought I was going to get selected and wasn't - those kind of drive you forward and spur you on that bit more and make you work that little bit harder."

He is convinced he returns a better player too.

"I know my game a lot better...and (I have) the confidence, knowing I've scored runs against the best sides in the world now," he said.

"This is going to be another test, something I know I'm going to enjoy, but (I want to) get over that hurdle as well."

Jonny Bairstow is England's incumbent at number five - barring injury, the only position possibly up for grabs.

Bairstow consolidated his brilliant form last summer for Yorkshire, which saw him nominated for the PCA player-of-the-year award, with 118 runs in four innings - including an important half-century at Trent Bridge - after being recalled mid-Ashes.

It is nonetheless conceivable England could take a punt on Taylor for a specific challenge here, and just as coach Trevor Bayliss has hinted there is still time in two warm-up matches against Pakistan A for either Moeen Ali or Alex Hales to press cases to open alongside Alastair Cook, further tinkering may take place lower down the order.

Taylor added: "It's going to be tough conditions, but it's a chance for me to stake a claim and try to get back in the side.

"We have two opportunities in the warm-up games, so it's up to me to pull my finger out and score some runs.

"It's been a long few years trying to (get back in).

"But I've worked really hard, and I'm definitely a better player than I was in 2012."

He agrees those white-ball runs on his CV in Sri Lanka can only bolster his claims.

"Yes, potentially," he said.

"I love playing spin. It's something I really enjoy."

He is determined to 'enjoy' too the blistering 45 degree heat which has put a premium on wet towels and cold drinks around England's practice sessions in Dubai.

Taylor has been using all available methods to avoid over-heating - including a saturated towel around the back of his neck - and is just hoping he needs plenty more of the same in the coming weeks, out in the middle.

"I was actually doing that in the nets - it's a great method of trying to keep as cool as you can," he said.

"Fingers crossed, I'm spending enough time at the crease to warrant it."